Lawrence Township explores sites for new housing near Zoar and state Route 212

At the Oct. 9 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, Zoning Inspector Ron Weekley presented recommendations for two geographic areas that may be suitable for residential building. Weekley said he was responding to an idea penned in an email by Trustee Matt Ritterbeck suggesting the township consider geographic areas where a senior living community could be developed.

Weekley understood the desire to attract long-term residents to the township among people who may want to live in an area not as industrialized as some nearby municipalities. One area suggested is on the north side of state Route 212 near Hess Mill Road which is currently zoned R3 to allow multi-family dwellings like townhomes and apartments. Another area is land near Zoar behind Grace Baptist Church, stretching toward Welton Road, which is currently zoned commercial but could be rezoned for residential if trustees request.

Roads report

Road Supervisor Perry Myers asked trustees to approve the purchase of crack sealing material from Craftco, a company that offers free rental of a melter-applicator machine so the township road crew can do the work themselves instead of paying someone else to do it.

Perry recommended purchasing two pallets of material as soon as possible to get the free machine rental by the first part of November. Trustees approved the purchase at a cost not to exceed $4,500.

Myers also noted that crews are still working on installing catch basins and pipes on Garberdale Square to address stormwater issues and getting trucks and plows ready for winter.

Additional zoning matters

Weekley updated trustees on the status of the new township map project, stating he is working with the county GIS/map office, but has run into some glitches when attempting to combine county and township maps. 

Trustee Don Ackerman suggested asking for help from someone locally, to which Weekley replied that he plans to seek assistance from an IT professional he knows at the Ohio Department of Transportation. Weekley said he wants to post the map on the township website as soon as possible, as it will answer a great many questions people have been calling the office about.

In addition, Weekley said the Board of Zoning Appeals is still looking for a replacement the loss of Ron Gauding.

In other business

Ackerman said he is meeting with the county prosecutor the week of Oct. 13 to determine the legal process to follow when requiring residents to clean up properties that are violating zoning regulations. 

Ackerman said the board would, of course, prefer that owners clean up the large amount of junk in their yards before trustees receive complaints, but there needs to be a process established to pursue the matter legally with owners who do not comply. Ackerman said he believes the board has been very lenient with some residents and now needs to evaluate whether to move forward through the prosecutor’s office or by using the township’s attorney, among other matters.

President Mike Haueter brought up the status of having the fire department’s ladder truck repainted. Apparently there is some confusion about the warranty and actual costs involved, along with other questions.

Fiscal Officer Ann Ackerman said she has contacted the company. Bolivar Fire Chief Shawn Lynch said he has, as well, so the ball is in their court for now. 

Ann Ackerman reported on the new carpeting in the township hall, stating she had paid half of the estimate up front with the understanding the company will invoice the remaining balance.

She also reminded trustees that the Ohio Township Association annual convention is coming up in February and registration for the convention, as well as hotel rooms, transportation or other needs, begins Nov. 3. 

The Lawrence Township Board of Trustees meet the second and last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Lundenberger Hall, 10867 Industrial Parkway NW in Bolivar. All meetings are open to the public.